A scene due to feature a beheading in this Saturday’s episode of Doctor Who has been edited out following the murder of journalists in the Middle East by Islamic State (Isis) militants.
The BBC has revealed changes were made to the third episode of the new season of Doctor Who “out of respect” for journalists Stephen Sotloff and James Foley. Video footage of their executions was released.
A BBC spokesman said: “In light of recent news events, we have made an edit to episode three out of respect.”
Saturday’s episode, ‘Robot of Sherwood’, has been amended to remove a decapitation in a fight scene featuring Robin of Sherwood and the Sheriff.
The episode was written by Sherlock scribe Mark Gatiss and filmed back in February. It follows twelfth Time Lord Peter Capaldi as he meets Robin of Sherwood played by Tom Riley. The episode will air Saturday September 6 on BBC One at 7.30pm.
Peter Capaldi’s debut as the Time Lord was watched by almost seven million viewers. He became the twelfth Doctor after taking over from Matt Smith.
Jenna Coleman returned as the Doctor’s sidekick Clara Oswald but reports suggest she may be leaving the show at Christmas.